iPhone feature currently only available in the US is coming to the UK
It has been reported that users in the UK will be able to access the services on a pay-per-use basis
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An iPhone feature currently only available in the US is coming to the UK.
The news was confirmed during the unveiling of the new iPhone 16 range on Monday evening.
The feature enables users to contact breakdown services even when they have no phone signal. The technology giant confirmed it will expand the feature to the UK later in the autumn with the new phone.
Roadside Assistance uses satellites to provide connectivity to people who are outside of mobile or WiFi signal at that moment, and is currently only available in the US.
Breakdown rescue service Green Flag has confirmed it will partner with Apple on the scheme, which will allow users to contact it and ask for assistance when their vehicle has broken down.
In a statement, Green Flag said: “Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the US with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance. Now its launching in the UK with Green Flag in autumn.”
It has been reported that users in the UK will be able to access Roadside Assistance services on a pay-per-use basis, but Apple and Green Flag have not yet confirmed any further details on how the scheme will operate.
Apple already offers several satellite-based connectivity tools designed to help users who are in need of assistance or emergency services but do not have mobile signal in order to reach them.
To connect to a satellite and use those services, users need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 range on Monday – the company’s first devices powered by its new artificial intelligence tools it claims will have a “profound impact” on users.
The four new smartphones will go on sale on September 20 and come with Apple Intelligence built in, a set of tools which use generative AI to help users with every day administrative tasks as well as offer text and image editing capabilities – following similar tools already launched by rivals Google and Samsung on their flagship phones.
The design changes to the handsets themselves are incremental, but Apple has added a new Camera Control button to the phones, from which users will be able to instantly launch the camera app, take photos and videos or select different capturing tools and options.
The button can also be used to access another new AI-powered tool, called Visual Intelligence, which enables users to carry out image-based searches on places or objects by capturing an photo of them.
Speaking at the event to unveil the new devices, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said these were the first iPhones to be designed “from the ground up for Apple Intelligence” and that the new “personal intelligence system” would have a “profound impact” for users.
“The innovation and invention these products deliver will continue to deepen the meaningful impact they have on all of our lives,” Mr Cook said.
“I’m proud of our teams and what they’ve accomplished and I can’t wait for you to experience these amazing products.”
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